March 29, 2017
PHOENIX - Jeffrey Lurie loves him some Carson Wentz.
Speaking at the NFL Annual Meetings in Phoenix, Lurie gushed over Wentz, praising Howie Roseman for being able to trade up to draft him, and speaking about the 80 pages of notes they had on Wentz during the pre-draft process. Lurie wanted a quarterback to build around, and he got one.
"I've always said the best structure is to have a terrific quarterback," he said. "You can then rationalize any structure you want. You can turn to a winning team or a losing team and say, 'The GM makes all the decisions. That team, the coach makes all the decisions. Number one, you have to have to start with getting that quarterback and then surround him and draft well."
Lurie was careful to note that Wentz has building to do, saying, "I don’t ever think a player is solved. I think he’s had a very good first year. That’s it."
However, he did list four reasons why he thinks Wentz is the Eagles best shot at winning.
1. "It starts with physical talent. That’s, I think, pretty obvious. Can he improve? Of course."
2. "Number two, it’s personality and leadership ability that this guy brings. It’s special."
3. "Number three is, does he have the intelligence, the football intelligence, and the obsession to be good? Does he have all that? Looking at it critically, he really does."
4. "And fourth, he’s got a way with his teammates that’s impressive. He’s a humble person, very talented young man. Humble and hard-working to the core."
"I think we’ve seen guys come into the league who have that, and you hope he’s one of those because the best quarterbacks in this league lead from hard work and being humble, and they’re very smart," said Lurie. "And you obviously have to have the physical talent. He’s got that. Can he stay healthy? Can he continue to grow? Can he perform as we go forward the way the curve should go? It’s a hope. That’s all it is. It’s a hope."
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